10/21/2026
๐ฝ๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐ค๐ง๐จ๐๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฎ.
The reason I talk about EIPH (exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage) so much is because Iโve lived through it with my own horses. There are few things more frustrating than watching a horse bleed, treating it, bringing them back, and watching them bleed again. Sometimes even through Lasix.
I keep my horses fit. Theyโre ridden six days a week and get consistent work that includes trotting, loping, pattern work, drills and sprints. I do the things weโre told to do to get a horse fit and prepared to compete. Yet even I still have horses that bleed.
Fitness matters, but I donโt believe fitness alone is a primary solution for EIPH.
After everything Iโve experienced with my own horses, Iโve made the decision to run my horses on Lasix going forward, under veterinary guidance. Until thereโs a better solution, thatโs the approach Iโve chosen.
One thing I think gets overlooked, especially by people newer to the barrel racing world, is how often bleeding goes undiagnosed. A horse doesnโt have to come out of the arena with blood pouring from its nose for there to be a major problem.
And if your horse bleeds, you cannot just give it Lasix, assume the problem is handled, and keep going.
Repeated bleeding can cause further lung injury and scarring, affect future performance, shorten careers and, in severe cases, become life-threatening.
If your horse bleeds, you need to talk to your veterinarian about an actual recovery plan. That includes how much time off it needs, whether further diagnostics are necessary, and whether additional treatment is indicated.
Ask your veterinarian about antibiotics. Especially with severe or repeated bleeding, you need to discuss the risk of complications, including secondary infection, and whether antibiotics are warranted for your horse. If your horse has bled multiple times in a short period, that needs prompt veterinary attention. Donโt make the decision to give or withhold medication without discussing the individual case with your vet.
If your horse bleeds a second, third or fourth time, I would be pushing for a more thorough investigation. Discuss a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and other appropriate diagnostics to help determine what is going on. You need to investigate why itโs happening, not just keep treating the symptoms.
There are several things I think every barrel horse owner needs to look at:
1. Fitness and conditioning. Are you properly conditioning your horse for the demands youโre putting on it? Fitness is important, but even very fit horses can bleed.
2. Diet. Take a hard look at what youโre feeding. Discuss an anti-inflammatory feeding approach with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist. Evaluate starch and sugar intake, the type and amount of feed, forage quality and overall nutritional balance. Donโt assume that because youโre feeding an expensive performance feed, your horseโs diet is automatically appropriate.
3. Hydration and electrolytes. Have a plan for maintaining hydration around competition. I start electrolytes three days before a run as part of my own management, but your horseโs individual needs and electrolyte product matter.
4. Your pre-run routine and veterinary protocol. Lasix alone may not be enough for every horse. Some horses are much tougher cases and need a more comprehensive plan developed with a veterinarian who regularly treats EIPH.
Ask your vet about the options that may be appropriate for your horse, including:
* Lasix (furosemide)
* Guanabenz
* Sedivet
* Kentucky Red
* Bleeders Mix
* Aminocaproic acid
* Nebulizing
These medications and products have different purposes, risks and levels of evidence. They are not interchangeable, and not every horse should receive them. Your veterinarian needs to determine what is appropriate and legal for your horse and the competition youโre entering.
This is also why I encourage people to find a veterinarian who regularly works with performance horses and EIPH. You need someone who understands the condition, knows what diagnostics are available and can help you develop a plan specific to your horse. Donโt assume that repeating the same treatment after every bleed is enough.
I know how frustrating this is. I know what itโs like to keep a horse fit, do everything you can to prepare it, and still have it bleed. Iโve dealt with horses that donโt respond the way you hope they will, even with preventative measures in place.
Thatโs why I talk about this so much.
If your horse bleeds, take it seriously. If it bleeds repeatedly, donโt just accept it as part of owning a barrel horse. Get it investigated, give it the recovery time it needs, and work with a veterinarian who understands EIPH.
๐ผ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ง ๐ง๐ช๐ฃ ๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐ ๐ง๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐ง๐จ๐โ๐จ ๐ก๐ค๐ฃ๐-๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐๐ก๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ง.
